The Associated Press
Baton Rouge, La. (AP) -- Prosecutors said they expect a defense of mental incompetence from a suspect accused in the shooting death of a Baton Rouge police officer last month.
Assistant District Attorneys Brent Stockstill and Wick Cooper said they have launched a background search on Shedran Williams, 33, who is accused of killing Lt. Vickie Wax, 51, on May 22 inside a Wal-Mart, where the officer was working extra duty. Wounded were security guard Garret Douget, 24, and Stanford Wilson, 51, a customer who tried to help Wax.
Williams is accused of trying to steal two disposable cameras, struggling with Wax as she tried to apprehend him, shooting her as she lay on the ground and fleeing the scene. He surrendered to police and was booked on a count of first-degree murder and other charges.
In subpoenas, prosecutors are asking the East Baton Rouge Parish school system for a list of schools Williams attended, his courses and grades, attendance record and disciplinary records. Subpoenas also seek Williams’ prison and work history.
Stockstill said he expects a mental incompetence defense in Williams’ case because Williams tried to use it an unrelated case. He was imprisoned for three years after pleading guilty to a charge of illegal possession of stolen property in 1996.
Stockstill also said prosecutors want to know Williams’ mental capacities before trying to seek the death penalty during a trial, only to possibly learn later that Williams is mentally retarded and cannot be put to death.
“We’re trying to get all the information we can,” Stockstill said.
Mike Mitchell, head of the parish Public Defenders’ Office, said it’s too early to know if his office will seek a sanity defense in Williams’ case.
Stockstill said he will bring Williams’ case to a a grand jury on June 17.